Should I replace condenser?

ksJoe on Wed March 18, 2015 3:53 PM

Year: 2002
Make: Dodge
Model: Dakota
Engine Size: 4.7l
Refrigerant Type: 134a

I'm trying to decide whether or not to replace my condenser when I replace the compressor/drier/oriface.

Vehicle:
02 Dakota, 4.7l v8, ~180,000 miles, driven about 2,000 miles a year.

Current problems:
The compressor knocks when its engaged, and I think its days are numbered. I don't want to wait for it to lock up and throw the serpentine belt.
The refrigerant leaks out through the winter, I think the compressor is to blame for this.
When charged with freon, it does work, but the cooling isn't particularly impressive.

What I'm planning on doing:
The freon is currently leaked out. Before charging it, I want to try to fix it. I'm looking at a compressor kit from rock auto (compressor, orifice, drier, seals). I have gauges, vacuum pump, scales, etc.

What I'm not so sure about:
I'm trying to decide whether or not to replace the condenser also. If the compressor had actually failed (and metal fragments were a concern), I would definitely get a condenser also. So I pulled the orifice tube to have a look. Its has some debris on it, blackish, looks kinda like lint. The tube was clean, and when blowing the orifice out of the tube I blew clean red oil spray out. Its red from the dye I used to try to find the leak.

Here's a few photos of the orifice tube:
http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u401/u6BajYynHcgB/P1020190_zpsk4iireth.jpg
http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u401/u6BajYynHcgB/P1020194_zpsikat1qpj.jpg
http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u401/u6BajYynHcgB/P1020193_zpsfnntlugg.jpg
http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u401/u6BajYynHcgB/P1020191_zpscvnabsgr.jpg

The condenser I'm looking at is DENSO Part # 4770869, which will add about $70 to my rock auto order.

I've done AC work in the past, but haven't looked at orifice tubes before. So I don't know if this is normal, or bad.

Any input?

Thanks,
Joe

HECAT on Thu March 19, 2015 7:45 PM

From the pics, I say the black residue is baked oil (overheated). With a leaker, most of the systems used oil will have accumulated in the Evap, as oil migration slows and stops. I would recommend flushing the Evap and condenser, or replacing both. Have you looked at those same parts from this site's sponsor?

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HECAT: www.hecatinc.com You support the Forum when you consider www.ackits.com for your a/c parts.

FLUSHING TECHNICAL PAPER vs2.pdfÃÂ

ksJoe on Fri March 20, 2015 10:42 PM

ok, thanks. I ordered the condenser, but not the evaporator. I'll flush the evaporator.

re: site's sponsor - they were quite a bit higher.

Thank you sir!

TRB on Mon March 23, 2015 1:16 PM

Compressor $10.00 dollars more.

Drier $2.00 more.

Orifice Tube $.50 more.

Still think we are fairly priced overall.

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When considering your next auto A/C purchase, please consider the site that supports you: ACkits.com
Contact: ACKits.com

Dougflas on Mon March 23, 2015 6:54 PM

Quote
Originally posted by: TRB
Compressor $10.00 dollars more.

Drier $2.00 more.

Orifice Tube $.50 more.

Still think we are fairly priced overall.

If he bought locally, the sales tax would eat the difference. The advice given on this forum is worth the price of admission.

Jag987 on Wed March 25, 2015 12:58 PM

Quote
Originally posted by: Dougflas
Quote
Originally posted by: TRB
Compressor $10.00 dollars more.

Drier $2.00 more.

Orifice Tube $.50 more.

Still think we are fairly priced overall.

If he bought locally, the sales tax would eat the difference. The advice given on this forum is worth the price of admission.

The advise given here is nearly priceless. I have started buying some from AMA when I can wait a few days. I have been pleased with the quality of parts and communication during the order process.

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I bought a can of 134a at w**-mart that had a stop leak, oil, and dye in it. It also had a hose and a gauge, so now I'm an AC pro!